California is one of the country’s leading states in enacting domestic violence legislation in an effort to address this widespread issue. Law enforcement takes domestic violence-related offenses very seriously, so it’s essential that you hire an experienced and highly qualified California domestic violence attorney right away to ensure that your rights remain protected at every stage of the criminal justice process. With over 35 years of experience, certified criminal law specialist David Wallin and his team of four excellent attorneys, including TWO FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, are ready to fight aggressively to keep your future as bright as possible. Our law firm OFFERS PAYMENT PLANS, so schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with us today to get started. If you are facing domestic violence charges in the Palmdale, Lancaster, or greater Los Angeles County area, you need reliable and effective legal representation right away to maximize your chances of securing a fair and favorable outcome. Let’s take a closer look at how domestic violence charges in California typically unfold in 2025 and why partnering with a skilled and trusted criminal defense lawyer is the best way to protect and uphold your rights.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Southern California
Many people are surprised to learn that there is not a specific domestic violence crime that is specified in the penal code. Instead, domestic violence-related offenses are usually categorized as either domestic battery or inflicting corporal injury on an intimate partner. Below is a brief overview of each offense so you can better understand the difference between battery and corporal injury charges.
Domestic Battery Crimes
In cases where the alleged victim has no visible injuries as a result of the domestic violence-related incident, the defendant may be charged with domestic battery under California Penal Code 243(e)(1). Under California law, “battery is any wilful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.” When battery is committed against the defendant’s spouse, intimate partner, co-parent, or domestic partner, the defendant can face domestic battery charges which are typically considered misdemeanors. If convicted, the defendant may face penalties like imprisonment of up to one year, $2,000 in fines, and other consequences.
Inflicting Corporal Injury on an Intimate Partner
When an act of alleged domestic violence leads to even minor physical injuries, prosecutors will likely charge the defendant with the offense of inflicting corporal injury on an intimate partner, which is outlined in California Penal Code 273.5. Depending on the specific circumstances of the incident, the offense may be considered a felony or misdemeanor charge. Felony convictions carry much more lasting and serious consequences than misdemeanor crimes, including up to two, three, or four years in state prison, costly fines, and other lasting restrictions to your freedom and future.
Other Penalties For Domestic Violence Convictions in California
Even after you have served the terms of your sentence for a domestic violence offense, you may face additional penalties that can affect your life and future. Even a misdemeanor conviction for a domestic violence crime means the loss of your gun possession and ownership rights. Moreover, you may be compelled by the court to attend domestic violence or anger management classes as part of your sentence. Having a domestic violence conviction on your record may also jeopardize your child custody rights and limit your housing and employment opportunities. Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION with certified criminal law specialist David Wallin and his team of four excellent attorneys, including TWO FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, right away to learn more about our top-tier criminal defense attorney services.
Legal Defenses Against Corporal Injury to a Spouse Charges
When law enforcement arrests you for an alleged domestic violence incident, it may be tempting to try to explain your side of the story or to tell the officers what happened before they arrived. Unfortunately, law enforcement can use any statements you make to build their case against you, so it’s essential that you exercise your constitutional right to remain silent and request to contact a skilled Palmdale criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible before you answer any questions that may incriminate you. Together, you and your attorney can explore possible legal defenses against the domestic violence charge to identify the most appropriate one that aims to keep your future as bright as possible. Here are just a few of the legal defense strategies that may be worth using in your domestic violence case.
Self-Defense
California recognizes that those who are genuinely concerned about their physical safety may use appropriate and proportionate force against their attacker in an act of self-defense. You and your attorney can present evidence that shows that you acted in self-defense or in defense of another person in your household at the time of the incident, and that your actions were legally justified. Reach out to the Law Offices of David M. Wallin right away for a FREE CONSULTATION with us—PAYMENT PLANS OFFERED!
False or Exaggerated Allegations of Domestic Violence
Sometimes, someone may falsely accuse their partner or spouse of domestic violence in order to secure a more favorable divorce settlement or to win a child custody battle. In some cases, it may be possible to show how the accuser made false statements to law enforcement or otherwise exaggerated their account of the event, which may lead to the reduction or dismissal of the charges against you. The four excellent attorneys, including TWO FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, at the Law Offices of David M. Wallin are ready to help you, so arrange your FREE CONSULTATION with us today.
Protect Your Future Today
The four excellent attorneys, including TWO FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, at the Law Offices of David M. Wallin are ready to defend your legal rights and fight aggressively on your behalf. With over 35 years of experience, certified criminal law specialist David Wallin and his team will work hard to defend your future. If you are facing domestic violence charges in the Palmdale or Lancaster area, contact our office right away at (661) 267-1313 for a FREE CONSULTATION with us. We OFFERPAYMENT PLANS, so call TODAY!
